Mammals · Artiodactyla · Bovidae

Thinhorn Sheep

Ovis dalli

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

Ovis dalli, also known as the Dall ram, Dall's sheep, Dall sheep or thinhorn sheep, is a wild sheep native to north-western North America. The species Ovis dalli comprises two subspecies, Ovis dalli dalli and Ovis dalli stonei, which live in alpine mountain country across north-western British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Alaska. They feed on a variety of plants such as grasses, sedges and even shrubs like willow at different times of year. They also take in minerals to supplement their diet.

Weight

45 kg – 110 kg

Size

1.3 m – 1.8 m

Lifespan

14 years

Diet

Herbivore

Feeds mainly on plants.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Herd

Lives in large groups as a strategy against predators.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

MountainTundraPolarHerbivore Diurnal In herds Mountain Tundra Polar Mammal

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Fun facts

GeneralIts horns grow throughout its life, and their rings give away the animal's age.
The growth rings on its horns work like a tree's: each winter leaves a mark, and by counting them the exact age of a ram can be known.
It is the only wild sheep in the world with a pure white coat, effective camouflage during the eight months a year that its mountains are under snow.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat & environment: Dry alpine meadows beside rocky crags, in the mountains of Alaska and north-western Canada
Size at birth: Precocial: on its feet within half an hour, although it stays hidden for the first few weeks
Sexual maturity: 22.5 months
Gestation / incubation: 5.7 months
Litter / clutch size: 1

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovis_dalli

Where to find it

See its range on the interactive map

Best time: From June to September in Alaska and the Yukon, when it is visible on the high slopes; in November and December the rams clash head to head.

United States Canada

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